SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) was established in 1965 through the SEAMEO Charter signed by seven (7) South East Asia countries. The signing of the charter marked the establishment of the centres. At present there are 21 specialist institutions that undertake training and research programs in various fields of education, science, and culture. SEAMEO BIOTROP, the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology is one of the centres.

SEAMEO BIOTROP, the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology, was established on 6 February 1968. In carrying out the mandate of Governing Board, SEAMEO BIOTROP conducted its activities emphasizing on the empowerment of human resource in Southeast Asia. The activities cover research, training, networking, and personnel exchange and information dissemination in tropical biology.

Vision:

A Leading Centre in enriching and promoting the real values of tropical biology in Southeast Asia

Mission:

To provide scientific knowledge and capacity building in conserving and managing tropical biology sustainably for the well-being of communities and the environment of Southeast Asia

Goals:

1.

Provision of science-based information to enable communities and institutions to address critical biological problems and benefit from the real values and sustainable use of the region's tropical biological resources

2.

Strengthening of individual and institutional capacities on current knowledge and good practices in tropical biology

3.

Provision of equal access to synthesized information in tropical biology to enhance knowledge, practice, and policy

4.

Facilitation of effective development interventions and partnerships for sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits of the region's tropical biological resources

5.

Enhancement of organizational management and efficiency towards maximized use of resources and effective service delivery to clients and partners

Program Thrusts
Our Centre activities are organized around two major program thrusts which we expect will contribute to addressing poverty and climate change concerns in the region and beyond: